Your new puppy is teething, getting into everything, and needs constant supervision. They need love, patience, and a consistent routine. And almost as importantly as all of that, they need vaccinations.

Puppy vaccines protect against serious — and in some cases fatal — diseases. Some are required by law, while others are strongly recommended based on your dog’s lifestyle and environment. Here’s a straightforward breakdown of what your puppy needs and when.

Core Vaccinations

Core vaccines are considered essential for all puppies regardless of breed, location, or lifestyle. These protect against the most dangerous and widespread canine diseases.

Rabies

Rabies is the one vaccine that’s legally required in most states, and for good reason. Rabies is zoonotic, meaning it can pass from animals to humans, typically through a bite or scratch. In the US, rabies in humans is most commonly transmitted by wildlife like foxes, bats, and skunks, though globally, stray dogs are the leading source.

Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. There’s a one-to-three month incubation period during which the virus moves through the central nervous system with no visible signs. Once symptoms emerge — fever, agitation, confusion, difficulty breathing — the outcome is nearly always death.

The rabies vaccine is typically administered between 12 and 16 weeks of age, with boosters every one to three years depending on your state’s requirements. Talk to your vet about the specific laws where you live.

Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus (DHPP)

This combination vaccine covers four serious diseases in a single shot. Distemper is a highly contagious infection that can damage the brain and immune system. Canine hepatitis can come on so quickly that dogs sometimes die within hours of showing symptoms — and there’s no cure. Parvovirus attacks the intestinal lining and is especially dangerous in puppies.

The DHPP vaccine is typically given at 6-8 weeks, 10-12 weeks, and 14-16 weeks, with a booster at 12-16 months and then every one to two years after that. This is the backbone of your puppy’s vaccination schedule.

Non-Core Vaccinations

Non-core vaccines are recommended based on your puppy’s exposure risk. Your vet will help you determine which of these make sense for your situation.

Bordetella (Kennel Cough)

If your puppy will be around other dogs regularly — daycare, boarding, dog parks, training classes — the Bordetella vaccine is strongly recommended. Kennel cough is rarely life-threatening in healthy dogs, but it’s highly contagious and miserable for your pup.

Leptospirosis

This bacterial infection spreads through contaminated water and soil. It’s more common in certain regions and can be transmitted to humans. If you live in an area with standing water, wildlife, or livestock, your vet will likely recommend this vaccine.

Lyme Disease

Transmitted by ticks, Lyme disease is a concern in areas where tick populations are high. The vaccine is typically recommended for dogs that spend significant time outdoors in wooded or grassy areas.

Canine Influenza

Dog flu has become more prevalent in recent years, and some boarding facilities and daycares now require this vaccine. It’s worth discussing with your vet, especially if your puppy will be in social settings frequently.

A General Timeline

Every puppy is different, and your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog’s specific needs. But as a general guide: first DHPP at 6-8 weeks, second DHPP plus any relevant non-core vaccines at 10-12 weeks, third DHPP and rabies at 14-16 weeks, and booster shots at 12-16 months.

Keep a vaccination record and bring it to every vet visit. Many boarding facilities, grooming salons, and training programs require proof of current vaccinations before they’ll accept your dog.

Vaccinations are one of the simplest and most effective things you can do for your puppy’s long-term health. The diseases they prevent are serious, and in many cases, far more expensive to treat than the vaccines that stop them.